Racing Victoria has announced that Mike Hirst and Jodie Leonard have been appointed to the Board of Directors.

Mr Hirst is the Managing Director of the Bendigo & Adelaide Bank and has broad experience in banking, finance and business planning. He is also a member of the Business Council of Australia, Deputy Chair of the Australian Bankers’ Association, a Director of Rural Bank and is an enthusiastic racehorse owner and breeder.

Ms Leonard is a Non-Executive Director on the Board of Beyond Bank Australia and Kinetic Superannuation. She has had a distinguished career in strategy and marketing and has held executive roles at General Electric, Nine Network, Telstra and British Airways, is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a keen racegoer.

Mr Hirst's term of appointment will commence following the RV Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, 20 October, whilst Ms Leonard's appointment fills a casual vacancy and has taken effect immediately.

RV Chairman David Moodie and current Board members Bryan Gurry and Greg Nichols have each been re-appointed as Directors for three year terms.

Barbara Saunders will retire at the AGM having been appointed for the maximum allowable number of four appointments. She has served on the RV Board since 2005 during which time she has held various roles including Chair of the Australian Racing Museum, Racing Products and the Board's Remuneration Sub-Committee.

The appointment process was conducted by the RV Board’s Nominations Committee which comprised RV Directors Andrew Twaits (Chair), Prue Hayes and Pearse Morgan. The Committee was assisted in its task by executive search specialists Boomerang Partners.

RV Members accepted the Company Candidates recommended by the Committee and approved by the Board, and consequently, there was no need for the conduct of a Director election.